Azerbaijan. History and modernity

Zoroastrian shrines, the influence of the Persian world, Islam, Christianity and the Soviet legacy. This small country has an unexpectedly interesting history, authentic culture, beautiful nature. And delicious cuisine! In one week we will see the most interesting sites.

Day 1-2

Arrival in Baku, checking into a guesthouse in the old part of the city. We will wander through the labyrinths of the narrow streets of old Baku, walk to the Maiden Tower - the symbol of the capital of Azerbaijan, visit the palace and the Shirvanshah mosque and discover unique Islamic architecture of the 15th century.
In the evening we enjoy the panorama of the night city and try traditional meals in the famous local restaurant.
In the morning we will travel for 30 km outside the city to visit the Ateshgah fire temple - a place of pilgrimage of Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs. We will also visit the burning hill of Yanardag, described in the travels of the legendary Marco Polo, and visit the unique settlement of Gala. More than two hundred of its buildings have survived since the 3rd millennium BC!

Day 3

Car ride to Gabala (approximately 3 hours on the way). Gabala is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded two thousand years ago. We will visit the ruins of the city, look at the defensive ramparts, get acquainted with the life of those times and try the famous local baklava with tea near the waterfall. Evening bus trip to Shaki (about an hour and a half on the way). Night in the traditional caravanserai.

Day 4

Shaki has always been considered the center of folk crafts. We will walk around the city, visit the bazaar and try local sweets. We will also explore the palace of Shaki Khan Huseyn, built more than two centuries ago without a single nail. On the outskirts of Shaki in the ancient village of Kish we will visit the ancient Christian church. Evening bus to Qakh (half an hour on the way), checking into a hotel.

Day 5

We travel to the picturesque mountain village of Ilisu. On the way we will visit the Georgian church and the ancient mosque, stop at one of the oldest bridges in Azerbaijan, climb the Sumu Gal tower and the fortress of Sheikh Shamil. In the evening - a traditional kebab in the chestnut garden. Night train to Baku (approximately 11 hours on the way).

Day 6

Arrival in Baku, checking into a hotel. We will travel to the famous museum of stone age rock paitings near the village of Gobustan (1.5 hours on the way). Here we will also see mud volcanoes. In the evening we will travel back to Baku.

Zoroastrian shrines, the influence of the Persian world, Islam, Christianity and the Soviet legacy. This small country has an unexpectedly interesting history, authentic culture, beautiful nature. And delicious cuisine! In one week we will see the most interesting sites.

This trip is of easy physical grade. It includes walks in cities and towns. We will be moving around in buses and trains, as well as use public transportation. We will spend two nights in trains. Accommodatio in double/twin rooms of tourist class hotels and guesthouses. Almost all of them will have wi fi internet.

The price of the trip includes:

All transportation, including trains, buses, taxis, metro and other;

Accommodation during the entire trip;

Breakfasts in some hotels and guesthouses;

Professional guiding services.

To be paid separately:

Flight to Baku and back home;

Insurance (mandatory);

Entry tickets to museums, parks, palaces and other places of interest ($100);

Zoroastrian shrines, the influence of the Persian world, Islam, Christianity and the Soviet legacy. This small country has an unexpectedly interesting history, authentic culture, beautiful nature. And delicious cuisine! In one week we will see the most interesting sites.